State prosecutors dropped those charges, so he could stand trial for Jackson's death in federal court.

But his federal case was dismissed after a key witness was gunned down in March.

Kelly was then re-indicted in Jefferson Circuit Court in August.

“It's a murder for hire, we believe, where he was paid to kill Lajuante Jackson. And under the aggravators, it is eligible for the death penalty,” said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Leland Hulbert.